北米沖縄県人会四季報2015年3月 ● No. 86

In This Issue:

Cover Images - OAA New Year's Party

President’s CornerOAA役員就任式と新年親睦会OAA Man & Woman of the YearUchinaaguchi 101Martial Arts Committee (MAC)Bunka-bu (Culture Committee)OAA Board Members & Committee ChairsDonationsCalendar

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2015 OAA New Year's Party By Naomi Endow

Ii soo gwachi deebiru! Happy New Year! The OAA welcomed the New Year on a lovely day on January 18th at The Ballroom of the Quiet Cannon at the Montebello Championship Golf Course. Members, family and friends from near and far look forward to this day of celebration, reunion and incomparable entertainment put on by OAA performers, guest performers and wonderful volunteers.

The festivities opened with the Kaimaku, the traditional classical music which inaugurates most auspicious Okinawan celebrations. An impressive array of 30 musicians - 16 sanshin, 13 koto and 1 taiko - graced the stage in their formal kimonos and hakamas, their music reminding us of our rich Okinawan cultural roots.

The Mistresses of Ceremony, Michelle A. Yamashiro (Part 1) and Noriko Tokuyama Chung (Part 2), made everyone feel welcome and galvanized the morning and afternoon programs with their sparkling personalities and professionalism. The formal morning program included the presentation of awards (see details below), the installation of OAA Board Members and Chairpersons, the introduction of honored guests, the Sake Barrel Ceremony and the kampai (toast) with dozens of attendees onstage who were born in the Year of the Sheep. Throughout the morning, 2014 Nisei Week Queen Tori Nishinaka-Leon, Princess Melissa Kozono and Princess Dominique Mashburn, who are of Okinawan ancestry, graciously circulated the banquet room and sold a record number of raffle tickets! The Grand Raffle Prize was two $200 travel vouchers from IACE Travel and a

host of attractive raffle prizes donated by generous members and friends of OAA.

Following a maasanu (delicious) lunch of filet mignon and salmon, the audience enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, which could be described as nostalgic, amusing, enchanting and uplifting (see list of performers below). Many people attend the party especially to see excellent Okinawan entertainment, such as well-loved dances Menuhama, Kabira Bushi, Timatu, and Hatoma Nagashi, sentimental or joyful Okinawan minyo music such as Mensore, Otokugani and Cho-De-Gwa Bushi, and impressive demonstrations of karate. Everyone looks forward to first-rate, diverse entertainment and was not disappointed with this year’s program which included a compelling Japanese dance Yawara (which was worth the wait despite some technical difficulties), koto numbers Hana and Nada Sou Sou by 2 young soloists, karaoke songs Touge Goe and Hashi which captivated the audience, the fun-filled zumba dancing onstage, and the ever-popular young eisaa Okinawan taiko dancing which energized the audience.

In closing, the party is not a party without the joyful participation of attendees in the kachaashi (free-style dancing) and afterward, the joining of hands by everyone around the huge room to sing Bashofu, the nostalgic song of the “Beautiful Island of Uchina”.Awards• 2015 OAA Man of the Year – David Yoshimichi Shinjo

• 2015 OAA Woman of the Year – Nosho

Kaile Viveiros from Kaizen Dojo (Shorin Ryu Karate-Do-Kobayashi Ryu) demonstrates Karate • Kaimaku (Open-ing Classical Music) by Nomura-Ryu Koten Ongaku Kyokai Hokubei Shibu (sanshin), Nomura-Ryu Koten Ongaku Hozon-Kai Hokubei Shibu (sanshin), Ryukyu Minyo Kyokai Hokubei Shibu (sanshin), Ryukyu Sokyo-ku Koyokai Los Angeles Branch (koto), Mitsufumi-Ryu Taiko Hozonkai Gushi Atsushi Renjo (taiko) • Kazuaki Uehara singing Touge Goe • Sayuri Kinjo from Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai performing Menuhama

(All photo by Eric Takushi)

Haisai OAA NewsMarch 2015 ● No. 86

Continued on next page

Rummage Truck Fundraiser

Help support the OAA every time you go grocery shopping!

Uchina Junior Study Program(formerly Junior Study Tour)

Saturday, April 25 • 4月25日 土Time to do some spring cleaning and drop off your unwanted items to the OAA's Rummage Truck Fundraiser! The OAA will be collecting items to fill a 16 ft. truck and for each truck that is filled, OAA will receive $1,000. A list of ac-ceptable items are listed on the insert.

Designate the OAA as your charity of choice on your Ralph's Rewards Card and every time you use your Rewards Card at Ralph's, a per-centage of your purchase will go to the OAA! See insert for more details.

Stay tuned for information on this annual 10-day immersion program for middle and high school students brought to you by the Okina-wa Prefectural Government (OPG)!

ラメージ・トラック・ファンドレージング

2 Haisai OAA News No. 86 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America

President’s Corner Shingi KuniyoshiOn the day of

the NFL play-offs, 550 plus members and guests gathered to celebrate the New Year at the Quiet Cannon Banquet Hall on January 18. Ev-erybody seemed to have enjoyed

themselves. Some say the Zumba was the best. As always, we received both complaints and compliments on the par-ty. We encourage our attendees to voice their opinions so we can strive to improve the event each year. Please email or mail your comments to the OAA office.

The OAA leaders and year-round vol-unteers are busy promoting events year around. On May 17, we will present our

biennial Utayabira Wuduyabira perfor-mance in Torrance. Our Geinobu teachers and students are preparing for their best performance ever. In addition to annual events such as the picnic (July 12), senior appreciation day (Sept), and bazaar (Oct 11), we are planning special events such as a documentary film screening (Feb 28) and a forum focusing on contemporary Okinawan issues (June). We actively par-ticipate in community events of the Japa-nese Prefectural Association of Southern California (formerly Nanka Kenjinkai Kyo-gikai), Nisei Week Festival and the Japan Consulate General Office.

We will preserve and promote our core value of the Okinawan culture and spirit. We will nurture the fellowship and welfare of our members. We will reach out beyond the OAA community, reaching out to the Nikkei and global Okinawan communities. In fact, we are global; our Facebook site is

accessed by 1330 people regularly. We have strong ties with the Okinawa Prefec-ture, sending students each year to study via the Uchina Junior Study Program sponsored by the OPG and regularly re-ceive visitors from Okinawa. The Okinawa Prefecture is preparing for the 6th World-wide Uchinaanchu Festival in 2016. Over 6000 Okinawans and Okinawa-related people are expected to come to Okinawa from overseas. We are excited about go-ing to the festival next year.

We are 106 years old on February 8th. Our pioneer Isseis and Niseis have built our foundation. We will carry on the leg-acy they have built. The OAA exists for the members and with your support, we can build a financially sustainable activity center that the members can call home. I believe that for the OAA the best is yet to come.

会長メッセージ

Miyagi• 2015 OAA Special Volunteers Award - Joan Akamine, Rosa Bui, Florence Goya, Elaine Higa, Sue Inouye, Karen Izumoto, Robin Kagimoto, Stella Kanemoto, Yeiko Kaneshiro, Alice Kimura, Evelyn Kiyan, Flo Matano, Shirley Moromisato, Kyoko Nakahara, Janet Nakamura, Violet Nishihira, Geri Oda, Betty Oshiro, June Oshiro, Alice Sasaki, Thelma Shibata (posthumously), Barbara Shimabukuro, May Sueyoshi, Marie Takano, Rose Takushi, Tomiko Uyema and Shirley Yahata.

• Special Recognition – Tomiko Akamine (retiring board member, for over 20 years of leadership)

Performers• KAIMAKU - SANSHIN: Nomura-Ryu Koten Ongaku Kyokai Hokubei Shibu • Nomura-Ryu Koten Ongaku Hozon-Kai Hokubei Shibu • Ryukyu Minyo Kyokai Los Angeles Branch KOTO: Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyokai Los Angeles Branch TAIKO: Mitsufumi-Ryu Taiko Hozonkai Gushi Atsushi Renjo

• OKINAWAN DANCE: Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai • Tamagusuku Kansen-Kai Yonamine Keiko Ryubu Dojo

• OKINAWAN MUSIC: Ishihara Haruo Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho • Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai L.A. • Ryukyu Minyo Aikoh-Kai • Teruya Katsuko Sokyoku Kenkyusho

• OKINAWAN TAIKO: Ryukyukoku

Matsuri Daiko, Los Angeles Branch• KARATE: Kaizen Dojo • Shugyokan Shorin Ryu Dojo

• KARAOKE: Masao Tobaru • Kazuaki Uehara

• BASHOFU COMMUNITY SINGING: Harriet Harumi Furuya (lead singer)

• SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS: Mieko Betsy Tango (Japanese dance) • Hiroe Yamashiro (Zumba dancing)

Honored Guests• Steven Awakuni, OAA Legal Advisor and wife, Sharon Tachibana

• Honorable Mayor Pro-Tem Tasha Cerda, City of Gardena

• Yasuo Fuchaku, President, San Diego Okinawa Kenjinkai

• Daisuke Hasegawa, Manager, IACE Travel

• Yusuke Iimori, President, Nanka Saga

OAA New Year's Party continued from page 1

Retiring OAA Board Member/Chairperson, Tomiko Akamine who received a certificate of ap-preciation with OAA President, Shingi Kuniyoshi.

(Photo by Eric Takushi)

2014 Nisei Week Princess Melissa Kozono and 2014 Nisei Week Queen Tori Nishinaka-Leon with Chogi Higa. (Photo provided by Chogi Higa)

Ishihara Haruo Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho (Photo by Eric Takushi)

Please turn to page 5

Haisai OAA News No. 86 3(310) 532-1929 ● oaamensore@gmail.com

OAA役員就任式と新年親睦会 当銘貞夫　記

北米沖縄県人会は1月18日ロモンテベロ市クワイエット・キャノンで新年親睦会と役員就任式を開催、約550人が参加した。開幕と同時に古典音楽が琴、サンシン、太鼓の音で高らかに斉唱、ホールいっぱいに響き渡った。開会の辞をミシェル・ヤマシロさん、先輩パイオニアたちの貢献に対して感謝黙祷、國吉信義会長の挨拶と続いた。「架け橋プロジェクト」で去年10月には普

天間、北山高校がニューヨーク、11月には興陽、八重山高校がロサンゼルスで交流した。両校を北米沖縄県人会に招待して話し合い

の場を持った。現在はグローバルな時代といわれている。若者たちが海外で交流することは、彼らの方向を決める刺激となるだけでなく、国全体の活性化につながる。今の時代は国際的に活躍できる人材が求められていると私は思う。今後も若者たちとの交流を続けていきたい」と國吉会長は方針を述べた。　今年のマン・オブ・ザ・イヤーに新城義

道さん、ウーマン・オブ・ザ・イヤーに宮城能松さんが選ばれ、沖縄県人会およびガーデナ市より表彰状が贈られた。続いて元沖縄県人会長や二世ウイーク女王など来賓の紹介があ

り、カリフォルニア州前議会議員アル・ムラツチ氏、在ロサンゼルス領事館の津田進領事、南加県人会協議会、南加日商の代表者が祝辞を述べた。その後鏡開きが行われ、羊年男・女が壇上に立ち、乾杯の音頭をとった。　昼食を挟んで第2式は諸々の舞踊、民

謡、空手演舞、カラオケ、太鼓、琴の演奏などに見入った後、役員らによるズンバ、カチャーシーに興じ、最後は全員輪になって芭蕉布を歌って散会した。

Picture 1: Man and Woman of the Year - David Yoshimichi Shinjo and Nosho MiyagiPicture 2: The 2015 - 2016 OAA Board Members being sworn in by Former State Assemblyman Al MuratsuchiPicture 3: Zumba instructor Hiroe Yamashiro was joined on stage by Board Members, party attendees, and Geinobu performers for some Zumba during the second half of the OAA New Year's Party program. 写真1: マンオブザイヤーに選ばれた新城義道さん（右）とウーマンオブザイヤーの宮城能松さん。写真2: 今年の役員の宣誓式、前カリフォルニア州議会議員のアル・ムラツチ氏が陣頭指揮をとった。写真3: 式典後半でズンバに興じる県人会役員ら。

(photos by Sadao Tome)

OAA Scholarship Applications forGraduating High School Students DUE May 22, 2015!

Applications for the OAA’s annual scholarship awards for 2015 high school graduates are now available and due soon!

Applicant requirements:• Must be graduating high school in 2015• Must be of full or partial Okinawan descent

The awards will be based primarily on academic accomplishments with due consideration given to extracurricular, and community activities and financial needs. The scholarship awards will be presented at the OAA’s Annual Picnic at Whittier Narrows Recreation Park on Sunday, July 12, 2015 (date subject to change). Please contact the OAA for additional information at (310) 532-1929 or oaamensore@gmail.com.

• Parents or applicant must be OAA member(s)• Minimum 3.0 GPA

4 Haisai OAA News No. 86 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America

Uchinaaguchi Lessons by Chogi Higa, Instructor

Chiruu:

Taruu:

Chiruu:

Taruu:

Chiruu:

チュー、ワッターヤ　ヌー　サビーガ。　Chuu wattaa ya, nuu sabiiga. What are we going to do today?チューヤ、ディズニーランド　チンブチ　サビーン。 Chuu ya, Dizuni- chinbuchi sabiin. We are going to see Disneylandウンジュン　メンシェービーミ。 Unju n, mensheebiimi. Would you want to go?ウゥ、ワンニン　イチャビーサ。 Uu, wan-nin ichabiisa. Yes, I’m going, too.ホテル カラ、ディズニー マディ、ナンマイル アイビーガ。 Hoteru kara Dizuni madi, nan-mairu aibiiga. How many miles is it from hotel to Disneyland?クマカラ　ディズニー　マディ、４０マイル　アイビーン Kuma kara Dizuni- madi, 40 mairu aibiin. It is 40 miles from this hotel to Disneyland.イスジ、バス　ンカイ　ヌミソーレー。 Isuji, basu nkai numi-sooree. Please hurry up! Get on the bus.ウゥ、ナマ　ヌイ　ビーサ。 Uu, nama nui-biisa. Yes, we’ll get on the bus now.

OAA Man & Woman of the Year By Naomi EndowDavid Yoshimichi Shinjo

Born to Yoshiteru and Akiko Shinjo on April 4, 1948 in the little village of Genka in Nago City, Okinawa, David Yoshimichi Shinjo was the eldest of five boys. His father worked for a gas station company and his mother farmed sugar cane and raised pigs. His father was born in a small fishing village in Peru, where the family had emigrated due to poor conditions in Okinawa. At age 12, Yoshiteru and the Shinjo family returned to Okinawa. Yoshimichi Shinjo graduated from Nago High School and a two-year business college in Okinawa. In 1971 the village of Genka decided to sponsor a group of 25 villagers to emigrate to Los Angeles in search of a better, more prosperous life in the U.S. Yoshimichi was among that group of hopefuls and due to his steadfast optimism and diligence, he was able to prosper and make a life for himself in the Los Angeles area.

Soon after his arrival in L.A., his love of Okinawan music led him to learn Okinawan sanshin from two masters. He learned koten (classical) sanshin from the late Master Seiryu Oshiro of Nomura Ryu Koten Ongaku Hozonkai Hokubei Shibu and minyo (folk music) from the late Master Seiichi Shima of the Shima Seiichi Ryukyu Minyo Kyoshitsu. He eventually received his minyo teaching certificate from the Ryukyu Minyo Association in Okinawa. He now heads the Ryukyu Minyo Aikoh-Kai with Tsuruko

Sadoyama.Despite his busy schedule, Yoshimichi,

now known as David, found time to learn ballroom dancing at the Taisho Club. He went on to take lessons at the Westmore Dance Studio in Hollywood. In 1984, he made the momentous decision to sell all his businesses and open his own studio called the Gardena Dance Studio, which still stands today across from the OAA Center. He is also a successful entrepreneur in the real estate market. Over the years, David has given ballroom dancing lessons at nominal cost to students and seniors at various community centers, including the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (JCI) and Seinan Senior Citizens Club in L.A. He has also volunteered as a performer and audio

systems operator at numerous community functions including the Gardena Pioneer Project and the Greater L.A. Singles Chapter of the JACL.

In 1971, David joined the Okinawan Club, which later became the OAA. He has been a vital member of the OAA, tirelessly performing and volunteering at OAA events and fundraisers, including the annual New Year's Party, the Kajimaya Senior’s Club, the OAA Picnic and the OAA Bazaar. He has been the Chairperson of the OAA Geino-bu (Performing Arts Committee) since 2013. David Y. Shinjo stated he is proud to be

OAA Geinobu （芸能部） Presents

Utayabira Wuduyabira「謡やびら・踊やびら」

(Let's Sing, Let's Dance)

Sunday, May 17th at 2:00 PMJames R. Armstrong Theater

3300 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503Tickets: $20

Organized by the OAA Geinobu (Performing Arts Committee), this biennial show features traditional and comtemporary Ryukyu minyo (Okinawan folk music), buyo (dance), and taiko by Southern California-based instructors and their students.

Tickets available through Geinobu performers or the OAA office. For more information, please contact Nobuko Ajifu at (310) 324-2962 or via email at nobuko.marukai@gmail.com

Please turn to page 6

UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS

($2 donation/class):2nd Friday of every month

第2金曜日 ウチナーグチ クラス

Note: Date change for March. Class will be held Friday, March 27, 2015.

Nosho Miyagi - Woman of the Year, David Yoshi-michi Shinjo - Man of the Year, Shingi Kuniyoshi - OAA President at the OAA New Year's Party.

(Photo by Eric Takushi)

Haisai OAA News No. 86 5(310) 532-1929 ● oaamensore@gmail.com

70 years after the Battle of Okinawa:

OAA plans cultural and educational events

Bunka-Bu (Culture Committee) Presents

OAA Annual PicnicSunday, July 12, 10 AM - 4 PM

Whittier Narrows Recreation Park750 Santa Anita Ave., Area E-1

South El MonteParking $6

Bento $7 (pre-sale only)

Please see insert formore information andbento/raffle order form

Martial Arts Committee (MAC) By Michael GeorgeWow, I can't believe that 2014 is over.

What a great year we had, congratulations to all our MAC members for a job well done.

2015 promises to be even better, here are some of the things we have planned: We are going to host a Mixer. We will have some great training. We will get to sit down with invited local Okinawan Sensei that may not know about us, but will have an opportunity to learn more about us at the Mixer. It will be held at Sensei Mike Mendoza's Dojo on Feb 28th in Claremont.

On March 6th - 8th Sensei Nurys Saldana is hosting the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Gassuku in Ontario at the Best Western Hotel. MAC will also be doing a seminar that Saturday March 7th as part of her seminar. Thank you, Sensei Saldana, for letting us be a part of what I know will be a great time.

Sensei MacCammon will be hosting a seminar April 10th - 13th in San Diego. I don't have all the details at this time but will let you know when I get more information. I am sure it will be very interesting and enlightening. I hope all our members will be able get up there and support him. Sensei MacCammon is also going to be making a trip to Okinawa in June, 15th - 22nd. We wish

In remembrance of World War II's Okinawa-Sen (Battle of Okinawa), the OAA Bunka-Bu (Culture Committee) is organizing a series of cultural and educational events. One of these events will be set for June in honor of Irei no Hi (Okinawa Memorial Day). More details will be announced on our website, Facebook page, and in our next newsletter.

If you would like to volunteer for any of these events, please contact the Bunka-bu chairperson Joseph Kamiya at josephkamiya@gmail.com

him a safe and memorable trip.MAC will be looking into hosting a

weekend camp in Lake Arrowhead in July. Sensei Evans is working on the details. I will let you know when we have all the details worked out.

August 14th - 29th, Sensei Saldana plans on going to Okinawa again. Sensei Evans is trying to work it out so she can go too. We wish them both great success.

Sensei Evans will be hosting her 50th anniversary Karate Tournament on October 16th. I will let you know more information on this at a later date.

October 25th, Sensei MacCammon will be taking part at the Okinawa Karate Day Celebration in San Diego and has invited MAC to be a part of the celebration. We are all looking forward to it. Sounds like it will be a lot of fun. I will let you know more when I have all the details.

Congratulations to Sensei Jerry Figgiani on his new book, "From the Minds of the Masters: The Inside Thoughts, Tips & Techniques from Modern Karate-Do's Best and Brightest." Inspired by Jerry Figgiani's articles for Masters Magazine, this book provides in-depth interviews and insights

from the modern karate masters including: Frank Grant, Joseph Carbonara, Kensei Taba, Takeshi Tamaki and Masahiko Tokashiki. Plus special remembrances of the Okinawan greats including: James Wax, Ansei Ueshiro, Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, Parker Shelton and Joe Lewis. You'll also get an in-depth understanding of the seven Yakusoku Kumite (two person fighting techniques) and the true origins of the original mixed martial art. Yes, MMA is actually hundreds of years old! This book features many historical photographs of the Masters. Available on Amazon. I am sure it is a great book. I look forward to getting my copy.

OAA New Year's Party continued from page 2

Yamila, Araceli and Ivan of the Shugyokan Dojo at the OAA New Year’s Party.

(Photo by Prince Loeffler)

Kenjinkai• Leslie Ito, CEO& President, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

• Masayuki & Tamako Kishimoto, Kishimoto Family Foundation

• 2014 Nisei Week Queen, Tori Nishinaka-Leon

• 2014 Nisei Week Princesses, Melissa Kozono and Dominique Mashburn

• Yasoji Matsuoka, Executive Director &

Vice President, Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (formerly Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai) & wife, Toyoko

• Yoko Mazza, President, Saitama Kenjinkai & husband, Steve Crise

• Happy Mizutani, Assistant Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer & Vice-President, Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (formerly Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai)

• Honorable Former Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi & wife, Hiroko

• Miyoko Nishimoto, President, Nanka Kagoshima Kenjinkai & husband, Kazuhiko

• Yoshikuni Okita, President, Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai

• Kitty Sankey, Vice-President, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California

• Kunio Shiba, President, Nanka Shizuoka Kenjinkai & wife, Tayeko

• Consul Susumu Tsuda of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles

• Media: Shigeharu Higashi, Publisher, Cultural News • Junko Yoshida, Reporter, Rafu Shimpo • Toshimasa Tomiyama, General Manager, Nikkan San (Japanese Daily Sun)

Miyo Ajifu and Ai Teshima from Tamagusukuryu Kansen-Kai Yonamine Keiko Ryubu Dojo per-forming Buyo - Kabira Bushi.

6 Haisai OAA News No. 86 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America

For one night only, singer/songwriter, Takane Kochihira will be performing at

the OAA Yamauchi Building!Admission:

2014 – 2015 OAA Members are FREE NON-Members is $7.00 at door

Limited seating: Please RSVP at oaaliveevent@gmail.com

or (310) 532-1929For more info about Kochihira’s music

please check – www.kochihiratakane.net

ONE NIGHT

ONLY!

a part of such a strongly bonded group of people with a rich culture, who lead healthy, peaceful lives. He encourages the younger generations to become more involved in the OAA to help perpetuate the art and cultural traditions of Okinawa in the U.S.

Nosho MiyagiNosho Miyagi was born Yoko Uezu in

Naha, Okinawa. “Nosho Miyagi” is her professional name (natori) in dance art. She was introduced to Okinawan dance and music at the tender age of 8 by her mother, Kame Uyezu, who was also a student of dance. At age 12, she began formal training at the Miyagi-Ryu Dance School in Naha under the late Grand Master (Iemoto) Nozo Miyagi. She studied dance also under the late Master Minoru Miyagi, founder of Okinawa Kabudan. She furthered her Okinawan classical music skills from the late Masters Kamechiyo Kochi and Master Chosei Oshiro and Okinawan minyo music from Master Antei Tamagusuku and Master Zen Chinen.

In 1969 she moved to S. California with her late husband Billy Wilkison, who was a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1970 she joined the Shima Minyo Group in Los

Angeles. In 1978, with the recommendation of the late Master Seiichi Shima, she earned her instructor’s certificate for sanshin from the Ryukyu Minyo Association in Okinawa and opened the Uezu Yoko Minyo School. In 1982 she renamed the school Miyagi Nosho Ryukyu Dance and Minyo School after receiving her shihan (teacher’s certificate) and natori in Okinawa. The school has since expanded to 3 branches in California and branches in New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and New York. In October of 2013, she celebrated her commemorative 60th Anniversary at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre in L.A.

In 1970, soon after her move to the U.S., she joined the Okinawan Club in Los Angeles. She energetically participated in their activities as a dancer and minyo performer, and a volunteer for their fundraisers. Since then, she has become a leader in the organization serving as Chairperson of the OAA Geinobu (Performing Arts Committee) from 1996-97 and as a board member of the OAA from 2012-13. Nosho Miyagi has also participated in many Japanese community activities and fundraisers. She served as Vice President of the Japanese Cultural Association of Orange County in

2010. Nosho Miyagi has received many prestigious awards over the years due to her dedicated efforts to perpetuate Okinawan dance and music in the U.S., and promote cultural ties and understanding between Japan and the U.S. The awards have included certificates of commendation and recognition from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, the Japanese American Cultural Association of Orange County, the Cities of West Covina and L.A., and the California Senate. She was also one of the recipients of the 2012 Women of the Year award presented by the Japanese Women’s Society of S. California and the Downtown L.A. Chapter of the JACL. In 2013 she received the Award of Appreciation from Governor Hirokazu Nakaima of Okinawa for her contributions in promoting Okinawan dance and music in the U.S. Without a doubt, Nosho Miyagi has great pride in her Okinawan heritage. For her, no other place can capture the Okinawan spirit of chimugukuru, the spirit of kindness and friendliness to others. She will continue to devote her life to sharing its rich cultural traditions with others and be of service to the community.

Man & Woman of the year continued from page 4

OAA Office BrigadeOAA is looking for regular office volunteers who would like to assist with taking messages and helping with office duties.

Approximately 6 – 12 hours a month. Interested volunteers will be given an orientation and short training.Contact Yuko Yamauchi, OAA Office Manager, if interested!

(310) 532-1929 or oaamensore@gmail.com

Haisai OAA News No. 86 7(310) 532-1929 ● oaamensore@gmail.com

Pictured above (standing L to R): Yukikazu Nagashima (History Committee), Kristin Yamauchi (Board Member), David Yoshimichi Shinjo (Geino-bu Performing Arts Committee), Chogi Higa (Uchinaaguchi Class), Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi (Board Member/Vice President), Edward Kamiya (Board Member/Vice President/Building Committee), Yoshihiro Tome (Board Member/Vice President), Hiroshi Yamauchi (Board Member/Chief Financial Officer)

(Seated L to R): Noriko Chung (Scholarship Committee), Michiko Numata (Board Member), Helene Shimane (Board Member/Vice President), Shingi Kuniyoshi (Board Member/President), Setsuko Fujimoto (Board Member/Co-Karaoke Club), Joan Oshiro (Board Member/Corresponding Secretary/Co-Computer Class), Yuko Yamauchi (Board Member/OAA Office Manager/Membership Committee).

Not Pictured: Michael George (Martial Arts Committee), Joseph Kamiya (Culture Committee), Junko Kawate (Library Committee), Yoneko Nakamura (Board Member/Kajimaya Seniors Club), Shoji Numata (Co-Karaoke Club), Mieko Shima (Board Member), Amy Oshiro Tran (Board Member), Shigeko Yamauchi (Board Member/Fujinbu Women’s Association).

DONORS CORNER: We apologize if we missed anyone. Please let us know, so we can acknowledge your donation in a future issue. (As of February)In memory of Thelma Shibata - $200 Stan ShibataIn memory of Sachiko Tengan - $100 Yuko YamauchiBenevity Community Impact Fund (matching) (thank you to Jane Yamashiro and Mark Fujiwara) - $200Building - $300 - Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles • $100 - Kevin & Jane KuniyoshiGeneral $6,000 - Ethan Kuniyoshi • $1,000 - Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai • $300 - Tsuneko Taira • $200 - Alice Sasaki • $100 - Anonymous • Masao & Iris Goya • Thomas & Alvena Fukuhara • $95 - Fujiko Nakano • $20 - Yuko McGowanMembership $50 - Faye Doi • Joe Ya-magawa • $30 - Richard & Lillian Yamashi-ro • $20 - Kiyo Hamilton • $5 - Vicky OshiroVolunteer Appreciation Day $200 - Yo-shihiro Tome • $100 - Edward Kamiya • Betty H. Oshiro • $50 - Mieko Shima • $20 Shingi KuniyoshiOAA New Years Party $250 - Shingi Kuniyoshi • $200 - David Shinjo • $100 - Teruko Awakuni • Henry & Naomi Endow • Shigeo & Kimiko Goya • Chogi & Hiroko Higa • Mery & Constanza Higa • James & Mary Ishiara • Jiro & Yeiko Kaneshiro • Shi-zue Maleport • Yasoji & Toyoko Matsuoka • Yoko Mazza & Steve Crise • Nosho Miyagi • Betty Oshiro • Joan & Dennis Oshiro • Yoko & Teodoro Pagador • Barbara Shima-bukuro • Kenneth Shimabukuro • Robert & Mary Sueyoshi • Chiyoko Sunabe • Kenji Takara • Larry Tokuyama • Sadao & Aiko Tome • Greg & Yoshiko Walker • San Diego Kenjinkai • $60 - Noriko Cuaron • Warren & Helen Miyashiro • $50 - Ellen Asato • Ethel Asato • Dick & Jean Enomoto • Hideko Harper • Herbert & Elaine Higa • Seiei & Katherine Higa • Nanka Kumamoto Ken-jinkai • Happy Mizutani • Fumiko Namisato • Mr. & Mrs. Shigeo Oshiro • Helen Shi-mane • Emilia Shiohama • Katsuko Teruya • Aiko Tokunaga • Rosa Yakushi • Shigeko Yamauchi • Dina & Phyllis Yogi • Yoshie Zwald • Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California • Nanka Kagoshima Kenjinkai • Japanese Prefectural Associa-tion of Southern California (formerly Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai) • Saga Kenjinkai • Shi-zuoka Kenjinkai • $40 - Yuriko McGowan • Rodney Nakada • Mary Shiba • $36 - Seitoku & Betty Oshiro • $30 - Richard & Jane Higa • Kyoko Nahahara • Betty Na-kata • $25 - Niki & Charles Dufort • $20 - Ruby Arasato • Michi Haller • Leslie Ito • Miyoko Kinjo • Eiko Krebzdak • Hannah Uemura • Tomiko Uyema • Ellen Wauke • Sueko Yamaoka

Disclaimer: The OAA does not endorse or sponsor any of the busi-nesses, services, or products advertised here. OAA members who

wish to advertise can call or email the OAA for rates.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku KenkyuuChoichi Kai Los AngelesRyan NakamatsuSansh in Ins t ruc to r

(808) 753-5454RNakamatsu@gmail.com LAshibu@gmail.com

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Edward K. KamiyaPresident373 Van Ness Avenue, #200Torrance, CA 90501CDI #0G93824Telephone: (310) 781-2066Direct: (310) 781-2069Facsimile: (310) 961-9516Email: edwardk@kamiyainsurance.comWebsite: www.kamiyainsurance.com

CHARLES M. KAMIYA AND SONS, INC.DBA: KAMIYA INSURANCE AGENCY

2015 - 2016 OAA Board Members & Committee Chairs

Remember to check out the calendar on

page 8 to see what's coming up!

8 Haisai OAA News No. 86 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America

March 13月1日

Fujinbu Shinbokukai親睦会（婦人部）

March 73月7日

Takane Kochihira Mini-Concert東風平高根ミニライブ（未定）

April 194月19日

Bowling Tournament (Seisonembu)ボーリング大会（青壮年部）

April 254月25日

Rummage Truck Fundraiserラメージ・トラック・ファンドレージング

May 5月

OAA Kajimaya Anniversary Lun-cheonカジマヤー・クラブランチョン

May 35月3日

Women of the Year Luncheon by Downtown JACL and Southern CA Women's Society（ダウンタウンＪＡＣＬ/南加婦人会主催）

May 175月17日

“Utayabira Wuduyabira” Okinawa performing arts showcase (OAA Geinobu)「謡やびら・踊やびら」（芸能部）

June 6月

Bunka-Bu (Culture Committee) Bat-tle of Okinawa/Irei no Hi (Okinawa Memorial Day) Event 慰霊の日 イベント

July 127月12日

OAA Annual Picnic and Scholarship Presentation県人会ピクニック・奨学金授賞式

July 267月26日

Golf Tournament (Seisonenbu)ゴルフ大会（青壮年部）

Okinawa Association of America, Inc.501(c) (3) non-profit organizationOAA Center16500 S. Western Avenue #203Gardena, CA 90247

Phone: (310) 532-1929Fax: (310) 808-9280E-mail: oaamensore@gmail.comWebsite: www.oaamensore.org Okinawa Association of America

Ichi nu Ichimadin: From Generation to GenerationPlaceStamp here

Place Address Label here

Upcoming Events & Activities (subject to change)

Haisai OAA News Staff

OAA OFFICEHOLIDAY CLOSURE

EDITOR/LAYOUTKristin Yamauchi

WRITERSNaomi Endow, Michael George, Chogi Higa, Joseph Kamiya, Shingi Kuniyoshi, Sadao Tome

PROOFREADERSMichael George, Chogi Higa, Joseph Kamiya, Shingi Kuniyoshi, Prince Loeffler, Yuko Yam-auchi

PHOTOGRAPHERSChogi Higa, Prince Loeffler, Eric Takushi

This is the official newsletter of the OAA, Inc. Contributions are welcome. For newslet-ter committee approval, email your article to oaa.newsletter@gmail.com no later than May 4, 2015 for the next issue.

The OAA Office will be closed on the following holidays.

Denotes non-OAA event当県人会以外の行事

Weekly Activities (subject to change)• COMPUTER CLASS ($5/class): Every

Thursday 10am - 12noon, Friday 1 - 3pm, and Saturday by appointment only. コンピューター・クラス

Monthly Activities (subject to change)• VOLUNTEER DAY: 1st Tuesday of every

month 第1火曜日：ボランティア・デー• HISTORY BOOK II MEETING: 1st Saturday

of every month 第1土曜日：歴史部会議

• UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS ($2 donation/class): 2nd Friday of every month 第2金曜日 ウチナーグチ クラス

• KARAOKE CLUB ($5/admission): 3rd Satur-day of every month 第3土曜日：カラオケ・クラブ

5/25/15 - Memorial Day7/3/15 - Independence Day (Observed)

Back cover image is of Mieko Betsy Tango per-forming Kayou Buyo (Popular Japanese Dance) Yawara at the OAA New Year's Party.

September9月

Annual Keiro Kansha no Hi敬老感謝に日ランチョン

October 1210月12日

OAA Annual Bazaarバザー

October 1710月17日

Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko 20th Anniversary Show琉球国祭り太鼓ロス支部20周年記念ショー

October 1810月18日

2015 Ikuei Scholarship Fundraising and Shinboku Engeikai (JPASC)2015年育英奨学金資金募集並びに親睦演芸会